"No Disc Drive" In Next Xbox, Says Source

New rumours regarding Microsoft's future Xbox plans have emerged today, with sources claiming Microsoft is telling developers that its future new console won't be shipping with any form of optical drive.

However, this may not be the end of boxed retail products, so there's still some hope for crisis-struck retailer GAME. The source says the next Xbox will instead support some form of "interchangeable solid-state card" storage, so we may see future Xboxes running games from tiny memory cards as with Sony's new PS Vita.

While this doesn't sound like the switch to a fully digital distribution model Microsoft's been banging on about for years, it appears its next console may be a step in that direction.

The same sources also "confirm" a 2013 launch for the new Microsoft machine, which you may also choose to believe if you wish. [MCV]